Self-Determination Network News: April 2017
April 2017
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Let Your Voice Be Heard!
The State legislature’s Joint Finance Committee has finished most of the public hearings on the 2017-2019 state budget. There are three more public hearings remaining. The proposed budget includes small increases for some programs such as specialized transportation and the Medicaid Personal Care program. These increases do not reflect the actual need and are not guaranteed to stay in the budget. This is your opportunity to let members of the JFC know what you like and what you don’t like!
Aging Advocacy Day
Are you interested in issues affecting older adults? You’re invited to join members of the Wisconsin Aging Advocacy Network (WAAN) and others to help educate state legislators about issues affecting Wisconsin’s aging population.
On Wednesday May 17th, citizens from around the state will gather in Madison for a day of advocacy training and meetings with legislators. No experience is necessary; you’ll get the training and support you need before meeting with state lawmakers. Following the training, join others from your assembly and senate district to provide information and share personal stories with your legislators to help them understand how specific legislative policies impact older constituents. Registration closes May 1st. Learn more and register today!
The Self-Determination Network includes some very talented members and we want to help you to get to know each other a little better. Member Spotlight is a great way for us to get to know each other better. For April, we shine the spotlight on Kurt. This avid water skier is involved in a plethora of disability organizations. He believes self-determination is about lifestyle development and letting people be the best versions of themselves. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Kurt.
Who should we shine the Spotlight on next?
For this month's entry, Stacy talks about how having a physical disability impacts a person's fashion. We encourage you to share your experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Supporting Wellness Resource: Here's a great resource about health and wellness activities for people who have disabilities. Check it out!
- Health and Transition Resource: PACER's National Parent Center on Transition & Employment has a new section on their website focused on health and transition for students with disabilities. Discover what information it has to offer.
- Neat Photo Exhibit: A photographer did a neat project where she took photos and interviewed people with disabilities about what they wish others understood about their condition. Check out the photos.
- 'Special Needs' Controversy: A group of celebrities are taking a stand against the term "special needs." Learn about what they are did to demonstrate that everyone has the same needs.
- Caregiver Career Program: In an effort to attract and retain more nursing home caregivers, Wisconsin is launching an innovative program called the Caregiver Career Program. Find out more about the program.
- New App: A new dating app, Glimmer, is trying to create an inclusive space for online dating, particularly for people with disabilities. Learn about this app.
- Interesting Court Case: There is an interesting court case going on about how existing 911 services are inaccessible to people who have hearing impairments. Read about the case.
- Accessible Kiosks: New kiosks are available which translates customer's selections into sign language. Find out how these kiosks work.
- Impact of Care Worker Shortage: The home care worker crisis isn't just effecting people with disabilities who live independently in their own home or apartment; it's also effecting group homes and nursing homes. Learn what many feel needs to be done to fix it.
- ABLE Act Improvements: Earlier this month, a bi-partisan group of Members of Congress introduced a group of individual bills that would better the benefits provided through the ABLE Act. Read about the proposed bills.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- WI FACETS Self-Advocacy Workshop: Self-Advocate Spotlight: April 26th, 6p.m. to 8p.m., WI FACETS, Milwaukee WI
- Action On The Square: Mental Health Advocacy Day: May 4th, 10a.m. to 3p.m. State Capitol, Madison WI
- 2017 Circles Of Life Conference: May 4th to 5th, Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center, Stevens Point WI
- 2017 National ADA Symposium: May 14th to 17th, Hyatt Regency O'Hare, Chicago IL
- Aging Advocacy Day: May 17th, 10a.m. to 4p.m., State Capitol, Madison WI
- 2017 Aging Empowerment Conference: June 6th-7th, Glacier Canyon Lodge Conference Center at the Wilderness Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: June 14th, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Brittingham Park, Madison WI
- Adaptive Water Skiing: June 28th, 10a.m. to 4p.m., Brittingham Park, Madison WI
- US Wake Sports Festival: August 15th to 16th, Traxler Park, Janesville WI
- Wisconsin Youth Leadership Forum: July 9th to 14th, Edgewood College, Madison, WI
- 2017 Self-Determination Conference: November 1st to 3rd, Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells WI
Post your event on the Self-Determination Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Suggestions? Contact Stacy Ellingen.
The Self-Determination Network is powered by InControl Wisconsin and supported financially by our members and Sponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you! Find out how you can help support the Network.
